Actes 27:30-32

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship.

Selfishness

I. Its hideous character.

1. Its cowardice. They sought to flee out of the ship.

2. Its cunning. “Under colour,” pretending “as though they would have cast anchors,” they let down the boat into the sea. Selfishness has always a disguise. In all the trades, professions, and interests of life it works under a hypocritical garb. It dares not show itself.

3. Its cruelty. All on board were in the same danger; but what cared they though all perished, so long as they were saved?

II. Its manly exposure (Actes 27:31). There was one on board whose keen eye penetrated the motives of these men, and exposed their base conduct. Paul was one of those to whom, through the purity of their own motives, and the clearness of their own moral intuitions, it is given to discern spirits. It would be well for selfish men to remember that there are men who can see through them.

III. Its ultimate frustration. With that short sword with which the Roman legions cleft their way through every obstacle to victory, they “cut the ropes,” and the boat fell off. Thus all selfishness must ultimately be confounded. “He that seeketh his life shall lose it.” (D. Thomas, D. D.)

Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

A lesson in valuation

A ship is in peril, and in estimating the worth of the passengers, the palm must be given to those who can save it. There are distinguished men on board. The centurion invested with the power and prestige of a Roman officer; the soldiers who have never marched but to conquer; Luke the trained physician and writer; the enterprising and wealthy merchants; the inspired Paul. If it were a question as to the safety of a province, Julius and his warriors could soon settle it; if it were a matter of health or knowledge, it might be confidently left to the beloved physician and evangelist; if it were a matter of food and clothing, none were more competent than the merchants; if it were a matter of doctrine or morals, none could deal with it like the apostle. But it was a matter of getting the ship to land, and here arms, medicine, literature, commerce, theology, each powerful in its own sphere, were at fault. How, then, shall nautical safety be secured? By the sailors? But they were only a few, they were cowardly, they had no knowledge of medicine, literature, business, or religion. True, but they knew how to manage the ship; and if they had all the valour, genius, cleverness, and goodness of those that were left behind, would never get the ship to land. They would have been impotent to fight a battle, prescribe a medicine, write a book, conclude a bargain, or preach a sermon; but they were the only men who understood the one thing needful on this occasion. Apply this to--

I. Physical life. The requirements of human health are few and simple. A little food, drink, exercise, sleep, shelter, clothing. Add to these, and you have striking luxuries, indulgences, adornments; but these are all superfluities. “Except” the fewest and simplest matters “abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”

II. Intellectual life. A few good books thoroughly digested, quiet and systematic habits of study, are alone requisite to intellectual culture. Sumptuously furnished and well-stocked libraries are all very well to those that can afford them, but you cannot say, “Except these abide in the ship,” etc.

III. Social life. How little, comparatively speaking, is necessary to the happiness and prosperity of a community. Obligingness, fairness, affability, so much farther than titles, equipages, and fashionable customs.

IV. National life. A few good laws, impartially administered, make more for national prosperity than all the trappings of majesty or oratory of statesmen.

V. Spiritual life. Whatever else may be added, except “faith, hope, charity” abide, ye cannot be saved. (J. W. Burn.)